Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta - Cosenza (CS) - Calabria

The Stauroteca (now at the Superintendence) was kept here, the precious reliquary of a fragment of the Holy Cross. It has two faces decorated with Byzantine enamels, which represent the "equal parts" of a masterpiece of goldsmith's art... #tuttitaly

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The Cathedral of Cosenza, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is one of the most illustrious and distinctive sacred buildings in Southern Italy. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its testimony of culture and peace since 2011, the Cathedral stands majestic in Piazza Duomo, the bustling heart of city life in Cosenza. The origins of this architectural marvel date back to the 11th century, as indicated by studies and essays conducted towards the end of the 20th century.

The façade of the Cathedral is characterized by its division into three sections, reflecting the interior with three aisles. An ancient rosette, initially polylobed and flanked by two smaller rosettes above the portals, dominates the main entrance. This Cistercian Gothic style evokes the elegance of the Florense Abbey of San Giovanni in Fiore.

Inside the Cathedral lies the renowned chapel of the Madonna del Pilerio, which houses a vital panel painting, a cultural and artistic symbol of the time. The chapel of the archconfraternity Orazione e Morte once housed the remains of the Bandiera Brothers before their translation to Venice. In the transept stands the funerary monument of Isabella of Aragon, an early example of French Gothic in Italy.

It is impossible not to notice the wooden crucifix from the 14th century, a late Gothic expression of significant impact, originating from the disappeared chapel of the Telesio family. Fragments of the original Swabian floor, found in an ancient chapel, suggest that the Cathedral was initially covered with frescoes and mosaic floors, recalling works such as the Patirion of Rossano and the church of Sant'Adriano in San Demetrio in Corone.

The Cathedral of Cosenza is a true treasure trove of artistic and historical treasures, a place not to be missed for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the art and culture of Southern Italy.

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